Vox Populi, our weekly live chat about the week’s events begins tonight at 7:00pm. Hopefully by then, you’ll have gotten over your shattering disappointment over Mitt Romney’s announcement that he won’t run for President. Hope to see you then!

i am just so sad we won’tget to listen to his wife’s whining. Money Boo Boo

Harleigh

7 days ago

“I love the poor, especially when they’re seasoned right.”

adlib7 days ago

I must admit getting a little more satisfaction at Ann Romney, who claimed it was “their turn” to be President, getting teased out one more time then having the rug pulled out from under her. An expensive persian rug, of course.

adlib7 days ago

LOL And how many times did you watch Palins speech?? OMFG Mid-nite drunks in the bars sound better.

Harleigh

7 days ago

It really wasn’t that surprising when you watch the video of her speech coach:

Mitt was farce anyway.All of a sudden he cared for the poor,Job#1 for him pfffft!

beatlex

7 days ago

Harleigh–I don’t think either one of them needs a mic!

glenn

7 days ago

What a joke myth is

Harleigh

7 days ago

harleigh and glenn, two voices that would shatter Tupperware. Yeuch!

pinkpantheroz

7 days ago

Hey Beatlex! There was a part of me who wanted him thoroughly humiliated but I guess we can reserve that for Jebby.

adlib7 days ago

Good point Ad!

beatlex

7 days ago

Palin speaks through a salad shooter into a mr. microphone. pure nonsense.

Harleigh

7 days ago

Ad–Do you think Jebby will get the nomination? If he does, I think most repubs will see him as the “sane” one in their clown car, unless they want to go full right and go with Cruz or Carson!

glenn

7 days ago

You have to add Jodi Ernst to make that a threesome circling the cauldron, “Bubble, Bubble, trolls and trouble!”

adlib7 days ago

OMG–Ad–ernst, palin, and bachmann on the same stage! If I were male, I’d be worried about holding onto my balls and covering my ears at the same time! As I’m female, I only have to worry about covering my ears. You guys better watch out!

glenn

7 days ago

Nah, Ad. Too many hogs at the GOP trough, scared they’ll lose what nuts they have left to contemplate her

pinkpantheroz

7 days ago

joni got jabbed real hard from some military sevice organizations for lying about combat experience. for

Harleigh

7 days ago

glenn – I think there will be a lot of money and Repub establishment behind Jeb and pushing him but I don’t think the Repub base will let him win. Heard a poll today, he’s got a 50% for, 50% against standing in the GOP. That’s not good. And they see him as “too liberal”.

adlib7 days ago

Sarah without the words to say printed right in front of her,is exposed to be the idiot she really is.Even her fan base is in the toilet.

beatlex

7 days ago

Beatlex–After all the republican angst about President Obama’s teleprompter, I just think it’s divine justice that palin’s dwindling pundit fan base finally saw what we liberals have seen all along.

glenn

7 days ago

True, Beatlex, but that’s the same for many in politics these days. Not an original quote or thought from any of them. All has to be spun and sanitized.

pinkpantheroz

7 days ago

beatlex I think she is now greatly diminshed.

Harleigh

7 days ago

glenn – Oh, I’d never be caught watching them except from the safety of my own home with a thumb on the mute button. But my theory is that the three of them whining and droning would cause them to spontaneously combust.

Beatlex–I agree–no one deserves to be mocked, dropped, and quit upon more than the palindora box of lunacy.

glenn

7 days ago

Harleigh – I missed that, Ernst lied about her combat experience? Can’t say I didn’t see that coming.

adlib7 days ago

glenn – So true, Palin was big on attacking Obama as the Teleprompter President so this is very sweet just desserts.

adlib7 days ago

Ad–if ernst lied about her combat experience, does that mean she could be lying about that there hog castratin’?

glenn

7 days ago

She was in charge of the truck drivers in supply division. no combat, no aircraft.

Harleigh

7 days ago

Ad–as usual, it’s a case of republican projection. Palin probably thought that President Obama couldn’t deliver a speech without a teleprompter. Of course, once again, our suave and well-spoken President proved them wrong in his SOTU. And, once again, the republican projection proved to be true–palin couldn’t deliver a speech without a teleprompter or a hand job!

glenn

7 days ago

oops–SOTU address.

glenn

7 days ago

glenn – Good point, Ernst is out of the same mold as Palin and Bachmann, compulsive liars all. So the hog castrating stuff is all too perfect to present the image these “pit bulls with lipstic” want to promote. Yet they’re really just obnoxious, lying jerks.

adlib7 days ago

glenn – I generally don’t attach any honesty to any Repub attack, I think you’re describing Palin as far brighter than she is. I just think the Repub types like her just look for any club they can hit Obama with and grab it, believing what they say isn’t required.

adlib7 days ago

Hello good folks. First you say you do then you don’t. Then you say you will and then you won’t, by Mitt Romney

sabreen60

7 days ago

Ad–you’re probably right–but as Beatlex says it is karma to see them hoist by their own petard, so to speak.

glenn

7 days ago

Hey Sabreen–I know, that mittster is such a tease, isn’t he?

glenn

7 days ago

Ernst is full of shit in family poverty, go $480,000 in farm subsidies…. way more than Bachmann

Harleigh

7 days ago

Harleigh– well of course ernst is full of shit. She’s a republican, isn’t she?

I understand Jebby is trying to get the money Romney would have gotten.

sabreen60

7 days ago

Ad–from your keyboard to the wingnut voters’ ears. I truly don’t understand republicans/tpartiers. Why in the world would want someone like Christie–rude, uncouth, and a bully–to be President of the United States? Can you imagine christie telling another world leader to “sit down and shut up” when he doesn’t agree with him/her? Personally, I don’t want someone “just like me” to be president. I want someone 100X smarter and 200x more diplomatic. I just don’t get it.

glenn

7 days ago

sabreen – I also heard that a lot of romney money and supporters don’t like Jebby and may go to Christie or Walker.

adlib7 days ago

A shout out from the show me state

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Ad and Sabreen–What I’m seeing is that walker has the koch brothers’ backing, and that’s all the money he needs! I think the nominee is going to be walker. And, Ad, those repub primaries ought to be very interesting, indeed.

glenn

7 days ago

glenn _ The Republican/Know Nothing Party want to see a reflection of themselves as their nominee. Dems want the smartest and most skilled person as their nom. That’s the difference.

adlib7 days ago

LOL Christie and Walker! adlib,they are both under the shaddow of indictment

beatlex

7 days ago

Hey Murph–what’s showing in your state?

glenn

7 days ago

gleen anyone in any chain of command within 400 miles of Benghazi from the day before until the date after has been deposed or testified at at least one of the ‘investigations’. Gowdy is #10 I believe.

Harleigh

7 days ago

AdLib – Yeah, I forgot about Walker. He’s the union destroyer, so I know the money men love him.

sabreen60

7 days ago

Hey Murph!

adlib7 days ago

hi muprh

Harleigh

7 days ago

oops…murph

Harleigh

7 days ago

Glenn….record aca signups, unhappy local farmers who now realize that the so call Right to Farm Amendment was a shell game, and the ferguson distrust that will not go away

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Beatlex–a shadow of indictment doesn’t matter to repubs. They elected a guy in Staten Island who was under indictment; he got convicted after the election, and had to resign his seat. So, an indictment is a point of pride with republicans.

glenn

7 days ago

Hiya Murph!

sabreen60

7 days ago

Hi to ad lib, harleigh, sabreen

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Beatlex – Republicans elected Grimm who was under indictment when he ran. Repubs don’t quite get that the majority of Americans don’t like criminals and idiots as their politicians..

adlib7 days ago

Hi to everyone – good to see all who are here!

choicelady

7 days ago

Murph–Record ACA signups without the state buying into the program? WOW!

glenn

7 days ago

Hey CL–how are you?

glenn

7 days ago

hi cl

Harleigh

7 days ago

Ms. CL – Glad to see you!

sabreen60

7 days ago

I’m fine, glenn. How are you!

choicelady

7 days ago

Glenn….we have broken through the goal two full weeks ahead of the deadline……demands for expanded medicaid continue to grow but it is not going to happen

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Ad–great minds think alike!

glenn

7 days ago

Glenn,we are talking for President! They will be scrutinized for everything

beatlex

7 days ago

Hi Harleigh, great to see you Sabreen!

choicelady

7 days ago

Murph – Explain the Agriculture “shell game” – please.

sabreen60

7 days ago

CL-doing well also.

glenn

7 days ago

Murph – That’s quite a tough environment there. But sometimes things have to get bad for people to be open to changing their minds. It’s so disappointing to see people so convicted about voting against their own best interests due to successful propaganda.

adlib7 days ago

Beatlex – I want someone like the lesbian in (I think) OK who said she will out the adulterous slobs who challenge her equality. We need her or someone like her or, for want of another, Larry Flynt.

choicelady

7 days ago

Murph–that is great news! Even if expanded Medicare doesn’t happen, it’s another nail in the republicans’ coffin of governance.

glenn

7 days ago

Sab…the Right to Farm amendment was really a protection for corporations to do as they want, where they want, when they want….ground water issues which we had a handle on are now back to square one.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Indeed glenn, I owe you a Coke!

adlib7 days ago

glenn – we don’t need expanded Medicare (that has 20% in private anyway) IF we can just keep moving ahead on ACA.

Bealtex–I’m not so sure about your theory. Everyone already knows about the “shadow of indictment” over both christie and walker, but that hasn’t stopped them from considering them viable candidates. Not ONE repub has come out and said, “maybe we shouldn’t run people who may be indicted.” In a rational world, your theory would apply, but not in the republican bubble.

glenn

7 days ago

Ad- I was at a meeting this week of a larger farmers association where we were told by our lawyer that the groundwater concessions we had won over the companies producing toxic fertilizer are now out the window. The moans and groans. Back in July I was tossed out of a meeting of this same group for raising questions about the real benefactors of the Amendment.

Murph – just remember, dear: you are Cassandra and the prophet without honor in his own country. Both were CORRECT!

choicelady

7 days ago

glenn -IOKIYAR (It’s ok if you are Republican)

sabreen60

7 days ago

glenn – I do think there’s a difference between Republicans not caring about candidates being criminals and the rest of Americans who represent a majority. Walker and Christie are in trouble if they get the nom because a majority of voters do care about that.

adlib7 days ago

Sabreen – that is the most disheartening thing EVER! GOP gets a pass. No one else.

choicelady

7 days ago

AdLib – Even Tweetie on MSNBC tonight noted that the GOP brush off the criminals and re-run them. Dems exile them forever.

choicelady

7 days ago

Ad – sorry – Dems exile them just for LOSING forever.

choicelady

7 days ago

Thank you choice. At one point in the meeting one of my neighbors asked: “How come no one warned us?” The person I was sitting next to poked me and said “You did.” My reply: “They really do not want to hear that the town’s token liberal was right and they are wrong. “

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Murph – Did anyone acknowledge that you were right?

sabreen60

7 days ago

Murph – Part of being a non-wealthy Republican is always living in a bubble of wishful thinking, they just don’t want to consider all the negative possibilities of the powerful Repubs getting their way. They never seem to learn that their party is all about caring only for the wealthy and powerful and screwing the majority…which includes most Repubs.

adlib7 days ago

Ad–I hope so. Remember all that fuss about Pastor Wright and the republicans screaming, “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” and President Obama “palling around with terrorists”? I just don’t trust the repubs to not be assholes. Can you imagine if christie or walker were actually eleced; then indicted? What an embarassment to our country!

glenn

7 days ago

Glenn,we atill don’t know what will happened there,the Press will be al over it,IMO

beatlex

7 days ago

Sabreen….jinx

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Murph – you’re freaking more than a token. You’re a wise man. And no one likes that. Gramsci said there is a wide gulf between ‘common sense’ and ‘good sense’. You have the latter, they have the former.

choicelady

7 days ago

CL – Very good. Looking forward to a response too, mama’s got a tamale with my name on it!

adlib7 days ago

glenn – well yes, an embarrassment, but it would pretty much kill off the GOP, and I’m trying to find the down side of that…

choicelady

7 days ago

Murph – I just saw your response.

sabreen60

7 days ago

Ad – I will let you know what I hear.

choicelady

7 days ago

Choice “Commnon” vs “Good”

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Murph–I have to agree with CL. You are a wise man. At least one person acknowledged that you know what you’re talking about!

Bill Maher tonight. The key question: “If Sarah Palin has a stroke, how will be know?”

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

CL–love it! I truly think it’s not so much the end of the gop as it is the end of the tea party idiots. I think the gop is finally realizing that their right wingnuts are more trouble than they are worth!

glenn

7 days ago

Murph – I liked Stephanie Miller’s observation that when Sarah goes off, it’s as if a Scrabble game exploded in her head.

choicelady

7 days ago

CL

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

glenn – it will take a boatload of brave conservatives to take back the party. As long as the Kochs fund the Teabaggers…

choicelady

7 days ago

Murph–that’s a great question! Maybe if she has a stroke, she’ll speak in complete sentences!

glenn

7 days ago

Murph – Funny. We could do many versions of that, “If Sarah Palin got drunk before a speech, how would we know?” “If she took LSD”.

CL – I watched Stephanie Miller’s podcast and you know she had a field day. She’s and the rest are online at Free Speech TV.

sabreen60

7 days ago

There is literally “no one minding the store” with Sarah Palin.But what does it say about the process? That a ding bat can fly out of the proverbial rafters and raze all of our heads?

beatlex

7 days ago

I want to bring up something to our think tank…..I was approached about being an organizing member of a Ready for Hillary County Committee. No way in the world can she carry this state by there are House seats and a Senate Seat at stake and the Presidential Race is the spark for them. I am so luke warm on Hillary. Can someone convince me that I need to “Fake it until I Make it?

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

CL–True dat. Until we get the mega money out of politics, the koch bros. will rule.

glenn

7 days ago

Palin’s speech was so bizarre, so utterly incomprehensible, that the Democratic National Committee issued only a two word response via their communications director: “Thank you.” See, apparently, Palin’s teleprompter froze. And she had to speak off the cuff, and that gibberish above is what came out. Her teleprompter froze. Teleprompter. And see if you can understand this from the tundra tart: Speaking at the Iowa “Freedom” Summit, the Sourdough Shill didn’t disappoint, did she? It’s too big to succeed or fail with the retreads for changing Latino men riding other men because we won’t be taken for a ride! America! She contemptuously dismissed the President as “a little boy” and then sneeringly declared liberals and democrats are racists and sexists. It’s the same tune she’s been singing since John McCain took her to the prom and got his ass beat by the star basketball player.

sabreen60

7 days ago

Murph–that’s a true dilemma. Hillary is not my favorite Dem, but I sure as hell don’t want to see ANY republican anywhere near the White House.

Harleigh – I will be sorry to lose you, but yes indeed – get some sleep!

choicelady

7 days ago

Night Harleigh!

adlib7 days ago

beatlex

7 days ago

Beatlex – is that the depth of Sarah’s gibberish you’ve transcribed?

choicelady

7 days ago

Sab- what got me was that Palin who has so mocked Obama for teleprompter dependency was umbilically connected to hers and since she does not real prep and disdains having the written remarks at the podium she had nothing to say and so she said nothing.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Nite Harleigh!

sabreen60

7 days ago

Nothing wants to work with the song,sorry

beatlex

7 days ago

Murph – I just smile when I think she got shafted by her own teleprompter.

choicelady

7 days ago

Oh Beatlex – sorry about that!

choicelady

7 days ago

Do I take it from the silence that we generally cannot rise to this challenge: I want to bring up something to our think tank…..I was approached about being an organizing member of a Ready for Hillary County Committee. No way in the world can she carry this state by there are House seats and a Senate Seat at stake and the Presidential Race is the spark for them. I am so luke warm on Hillary. Can someone convince me that I need to “Fake it until I Make it?

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Murph – She doesn’t make sense when the teleprompter works. She has consistently lied about PBO needing the prompter or he’s doomed. I remember when ate the Republicans lunch in their house at thier conference. He answered question after question until they screamed “uncle”.

sabreen60

7 days ago

Murph – That’s a tough one. Like you, I sure don’t want a Repub to win the WH but I wouldn’t be supporting Hillary until it was her against a Repub (someone may upset her again in the primaries, she is a terrible campaigner). Which way are you leaning?

adlib7 days ago

Murph – unless and until there is someone else, she’s the one. I don’t think you need to head such a thing, but you might want to keep a toe in the water?

choicelady

7 days ago

Murph – That’s a hard one. How good of an actor are you? I don’t like Hillary and I don’t trust her. And I certainly don’t trust Bill. I can see them denigrating PBO and his policies. Having said that, yeah back her 1000%.

sabreen60

7 days ago

Murph “Ladies and Gentlemen,the President of the United States,Jeb Bush!!! should scare you straight

beatlex

7 days ago

And why is it the the GOP has Palin and Trump coming out every four years like Lucy holding the football for Charlie Brown then pulling it away at the last minute? How dumb are Repubs to keep believing them every 4 years when they say they might run for President?

adlib7 days ago

Sabreen – I agree, and I have never recovered from one of her supporters, a white woman, saying “America needs a woman to be president more than they need a Black person.” I’m still gawping. I will vote for her in the general IF there is no one else. But look what happened 2007 on. This man came out of nowhere, and….I’ve found the best president of my life now is in the WH.

choicelady

7 days ago

adlib,good point,but as we have seen,the Rs are slow on the uptake

beatlex

7 days ago

AdLib – on another blog I figured out that the reason Sarah does everything part time is because, well, you HAVE to be ready for the Rapture, right?

choicelady

7 days ago

I am reading along folks….appreciate your thinking. I will respond at the end.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

All–with all this talk about Hillary, will there even be a Dem primary? Murph, can you wait until a Dem primary happens (if it does) to make your decision?

glenn

7 days ago

Most of the Repubs that come out every 4 years are grifters. There’s a lot of money to be made running for President.

sabreen60

7 days ago

I want a button to send to Sarah – “If the Rapture comes, will you REALLY go away?”

choicelady

7 days ago

CL–love your button! Than can we fake a fapture and she will go away permanently?

glenn

7 days ago

Murph – you are always a leader in MO. Do you HAVE to be now? Can you join in the ‘exploration’ process until someone else comes along if they do?

choicelady

7 days ago

glenn, I want Joe Biden, Martin O’Malley to throw their hats in the ring.

sabreen60

7 days ago

glenn – I’m working on it!

choicelady

7 days ago

Sabreen – I AM WITH YOU ON BIDEN, O’MALLEY!

choicelady

7 days ago

CL – You said it! And I am with you on that, it is a prime opportunity this time around for a lesser known but charismatic and principled Progressive to jump into the Dem Primary. Hillary can be beaten and IMO, should be beaten in the primary.

adlib7 days ago

Sabreen–Me too. Or, at least someone else besides Hillary.

glenn

7 days ago

glenn – I want a ‘Wag the Dog’ moment to convince the extreme Right their time has come to LEAVE.

choicelady

7 days ago

The apparent plan to wait until July to announce officially is puttng pressure on the groups already on the ground to link and become BIG…thus the county thing. I don’t see anyone else in the wings and do mean no one else who I would want more or who could put together the money.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Murph – I think there are a lot of liberals who don’t want Hillary. However, she’

sabreen60

7 days ago

Murph – Money will follow any candidate that can energize the Progressive side of the Dem base. The first step is finding that person.

adlib7 days ago

Sooooo – what does anyone think of Jim Webb? As a longtime supporter of blue collar unions full of white ethnic guys I like, I agree we need to care about them. But I fear he’s EXCLUDING people of color not expanding the INCLUSIVE nature of what could be a glorious society of diversity.

choicelady

7 days ago

Murph–and isn’t that a shame? That the Democratic party has “no one else in the wings” and more importantly, “could put together the money”. I think Warren could do it, but she’s insistent she isn’t running. And, in most ways, I think Warren should stay right where she is. What do you think of Sabreen’s and CL’s suggestions of O’Malley and Biden?

glenn

7 days ago

Oops. However, she’ll get all the money and endorsements. People I talk with are worried about Biden’s gaffes and O’Malley is an unknown.

sabreen60

7 days ago

CL – Webb is very conservative, not very Progressive and has been on the wrong side of issues for me too often.

adlib7 days ago

AdLib – progs want only Bernie or Elizabeth. They pay no attention, so I think the money needs to go to people such as we are. Policy smart, motivated, energetic, diverse. Not ideological.

choicelady

7 days ago

AdLib – that was my feeling about him. I like some of what he says but not enough.

choicelady

7 days ago

Sabreen – well, PBO was an ‘unknown’, too.

choicelady

7 days ago

CL – Don’t like Webb at all.

sabreen60

7 days ago

CL–I forgot about Sanders. Do you think he’ll run?

glenn

7 days ago

CL – Agreed but if a solid Progressive candidate was to emerge in the Primary, with an overconfident Hillary probably anxious to tack to the center/right, good things could happen.

adlib7 days ago

CL – But look how long PBO was in the race. Unless someone steps forward soon, it may be too late for a real unknown.

sabreen60

7 days ago

Sabreen – that’s sort of what I think as well. glenn- Sanders WILL run, and I think it’s a huge error on his part. I will never forgive him for giving NO credit to PBO for letting Vermont do single payer as their state option. A gift they could not deliver, BTW,

choicelady

7 days ago

AdLib – WHO is a solid progressive that doesn’t make us all barf? Elizabeth isn’t running. That’s it. I don’t know any others.

choicelady

7 days ago

CL–so what you are saying, as of right now, that Hillary will get the nomination?

glenn

7 days ago

Sanders would be very smart to run. He comes off to indie voters as too eccentric, I don’t think he could win a GE but he sure could force Hillary to the left a bit. And gain a solid following as he battles from his Senate seat in DC for Progressive values.

adlib7 days ago

glenn – I sure the hell hope not.

choicelady

7 days ago

You guys are not helping me move toward Hillary…..

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

AdLib – the moment Hillary won the primaries, she’d move center right again.

choicelady

7 days ago

Murph – we’re not the right crowd for pro-Hillary whooping.

choicelady

7 days ago

Murph–sorry. You asked us to give our opinions, such as they are. As I said when you first asked, you truly have a dilemma!

glenn

7 days ago

As a Canadian I see in Hillary Clinton a leader,she has just adjusted her positions to take advantage of the politics of the moment.Isn’t that what the President did to get elected.I think she would make a fine President.Of course we know that there is only so much a President can do.Are we not seeing that play out POV’s?

beatlex

7 days ago

CL – I don’t have a candidate right now to suggest. Just saying that if one could be found, there is a path to the WH for them.

adlib7 days ago

Ad…Bernie is the embodiment of the old saying: “When all is said and done, with Bernie a lot more gets said than done.” His record for outcomes..miserable.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Murph – I have personal reasons to love Hillary who was enormously kind to someone I know. That’s not enough. I’ve been to the mountaintop and seen what a GREAT president can do. I do not want to head into my (cough) older years with Hillary and mediocrity.

choicelady

7 days ago

I don’t have a problem with Sanders getting in the race. He’s an avowed Socialist, so I that’s a turnoff for a lot of people. But I agree that he could possibly move Hillary to the left.

sabreen60

7 days ago

Murph – that is HILARIOUS! Thank you – I will use that with Bernie freakoids.

Murph, that’s the problem, Progressives like many here are not enthusiastic about Hillary so we wouldn’t be jumping on that bandwagon at this point. Just the opposite, as you can see, we’re seeking alternatives.

adlib7 days ago

AdLib – I agree. With all his gaffes, I still like Biden, and because of Sabreen I’m strongly looking at O’Malley. But otherwise? I see no one.

choicelady

7 days ago

Beatlex–I agree about Clinton being a leader. The question is–is she the leader the US needs now? I think her presidency will experience the same virtoil that PBO has experienced. I’m so sick of lying republicans/tpartiers and not sure I would like to experience another four years of this nonsense. On the other hand, I’d rather see Clinton as president over any repub!

glenn

7 days ago

Hillary is hawkish. Sanders, Warren is too far left for me. Webb is a blue dog, O’Malley is more pragmatic like PBO. But Hillary has the mojo.

sabreen60

7 days ago

AdLib – I think the issue of “progressives” is also very dicey. I think we all are. Lots think we’re not. Those I met around CA are…not. But think they are. Big mess.

choicelady

7 days ago

My question is do I have a alternative? Do I have someone I want to be on the podium at the DNCovention? O’Malley is the best of the bunch as a functioning and experienced leader with balance but he is dry, dry, dry as toast.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

I WANT AL FRANKEN! Or someone…

choicelady

7 days ago

Choice Imaging if we COULD choose based on talent….and not image.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Murph! TALENT not IMAGE? That’s subversive!

choicelady

7 days ago

OK – I want Jeb Bartlett because that’s who we’ve had for 6 years. I want ANOTHER ONE.

choicelady

7 days ago

Beatlex – My take on Hillary is a bit different. I thought she showed in 2008 that she is a self-serving conservative who will say or do whatever it takes to pacify others so she can proceed in serving those she cares more about, namely the moneyed class. What principle did she stand up for so consistently and strongly in 2008? And instead, how awful and racist was she, Bill and her campaign in attacking Obama? Remember how she was trying to steal the primary with Super Delegates after it appearered she couldn’t win fair and square by winning caucuses and elections? And her lie about being shot at on the tarmac in Bosnia? I don’t see the kind of character that we see in Obama.

adlib7 days ago

choice…that’s me….a rebel.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Glenn,NO doubt,I think she will surprise people this go’round

beatlex

7 days ago

AdLib – totally agree, slam dunk.

choicelady

7 days ago

Murph – pick someone you believe in and open a MO exploratory committee of one.

choicelady

7 days ago

CL

sabreen60

7 days ago

Ad….your presentation captures so many of my concerns.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

CL – I like Biden a lot and I’m looking forward to learning more about O’Malley. At this point, I’d support Biden in the primary over Hillary.

adlib7 days ago

Sabreen – I think we agree!

choicelady

7 days ago

Adlib.I can’t argue that truth.But the alternative,whoever it is,will be worse.They will start new wars,etc

beatlex

7 days ago

AdLib – likewise, and I get anecdotal stuff around the internet that shows a LOT of people would. He has the same moxie as PBO.

choicelady

7 days ago

Sabreen – Very good rundown on Dem candidates!

adlib7 days ago

Ad–I love Biden, too. I think he is a truly kind man. I also think he’s much smarter than people make him out to be. BTW, when are the primaries? How long do candidates have to “declare”?

glenn

7 days ago

AdLib – PBO and Biden are strong and fearless. Hillary is strong and gutless. Big difference.

choicelady

7 days ago

AdLib – Hillary is no PBO. One reason Repubs are so pissed they can’t get anything negative on him.

sabreen60

7 days ago

CL – I’m with you on Al Franken! That would be so cool!

adlib7 days ago

Sabreen – yessssss. How awful that a Black man from a single mom is more family oriented and moral than ANY of the GOP. GASP!

choicelady

7 days ago

Funk….do you have the balls to be in your current location?

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

AdLib – I don’t know a lot of Franken’s current policies, but he was the one showbiz person to whom I gave a pass for his incredible analyses of policy on Air America. He is awesome in his knowlege and his core values. And he’s freaking funny!

choicelady

7 days ago

Fully inflated sir

funksands

7 days ago

Funk…..for inflating or deflating.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Murph – O’Malley isn’t dry. He’s just really laid back

sabreen60

7 days ago

FUNK!!! How great to see you!!!

choicelady

7 days ago

Hey Funk!

glenn

7 days ago

Funk! Don’t you owe me a drink or dinner or something?

sabreen60

7 days ago

Sabreen – if Murph sees him as dry, he can improve on that. Image stuff is the easiest to fix.

choicelady

7 days ago

Hey Funk! Can you do a Hail Mary with deflated balls?

adlib7 days ago

Howdy all!

funksands

7 days ago

Sab…if O Malley is not dry he does a very convincing impersation of someone who is…AND he has no record that will grab the country’s attention.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Every morning!

funksands

7 days ago

AdLib! LOL!!!

choicelady

7 days ago

CL – He was a very good governor here in Maryland. He can be soft spoken. He doesn’t have the charisma of PBO, but the Dems here really liked him.

sabreen60

7 days ago

Murph – if O’Malley decides to run, the good image folks will make him far more vibrant. He has a solid core, and from there you can move anywhere.

choicelady

7 days ago

Sabreen – i’m watchin O’M very closely, yes.

choicelady

7 days ago

Funk–hate to leave as you’re just arriving, but it’s time to call it a night! Murph, I know you will make the best choice for you; so hang in there. G’night to the rest of you, and I hope everyone has a good weekend.

glenn

7 days ago

well, I would welcome choices

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Oh glenn – good night! Lovely to have shared time with you!

choicelady

7 days ago

Face it my American friends,you will keep electing Presidents,only to have them stymied by the R’s.It’s seems to be your lot in your political lives.Solutions??? Beats me

beatlex

7 days ago

He’s the only current Dem governor that I think can pull off a run. Brown would do it (and still might), but he’s 114 years old. Beebe would be interesting, but would likely really struggle in the primaries

funksands

7 days ago

Glenn, I’m used to it.

funksands

7 days ago

Beatlex – this may be the years of the GOP swan song. They are SO BAD they may become invisible.

choicelady

7 days ago

Glenn,see you !!

beatlex

7 days ago

I’d just suggest to all here, don’t buy into the MSM and Hillary hype that there is no one to run against her. Biden may not be a favorite right nowbut he could become one. Don’t know O’Malley well enough but maybe he can raise his game. And there may be a surprise addition that grabs the attention of Dems. We’ll only have a coronation if we buy into it being inevitable and don’t support alternatives.

adlib7 days ago

funk – Jerry Brown is a DINO. He’s been corrupted even more than he was, and he is NOT a prog, not even a Catholic anymore. He’s a business suckup bastard.

choicelady

7 days ago

choicelady,a word answer…redistricting…

beatlex

7 days ago

The GOP is likely to lose the Presidency, and the Senate and will lose some seats in the House, but may pick up yet more governorships and statehouses

funksands

7 days ago

Nite glenn. Take care.

sabreen60

7 days ago

Beatlex – yes, but we’re working on several ‘citizens commission’ initiatives in the Midwest. That can make a huge difference.

choicelady

7 days ago

brb

funksands

7 days ago

CL,I truly hope it works,grassroot movements work the best

beatlex

7 days ago

I could definitely imagine Hillary swerving right too early and opening up a big opportunity for Biden or someone else to grab the loyalty of a majority of Dems. Hillary will turn her back on Dems the moment she thinks she’s got the nom in the bag. She’s already shown that intent last year when she was dissing Obama and his policies and reaching out to Repubs and joining their opinions on policies (especially international, being the war monger she is).

adlib7 days ago

Beatlex- your note on the Presidency as a bit of windmill tilting is one that makes sense – I keep coming back to a basic understanding on my part….we have a limping system that is easily styied by partisan divides.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Night glenn!

adlib7 days ago

Ad, personally I think Biden will get his assed kicked if he runs and is really not much better than Hillary. I like him very much personally, but nothing about him excites me other than the continuation of some of Obama’s key policies.

funksands

7 days ago

Probably bias, but I also like Chris Van Hollen. I know he’s unknown, but he’s been one of the very few Dems to stand tall re ACA and PBO.

sabreen60

7 days ago

Funk – Agree with you on all counts but I think that Repubs won’t do as well with Govs and statehouses if there is a strong Dem win nationally.

adlib7 days ago

nite glenn thanks for your thoughts….very valuable…

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Sabreen – Van Hollen, Whitehouse, Brown (Sherrod the good Brown) and a few others appeal to me, too.

choicelady

7 days ago

Murph, its been a $10 Trillion lesson for the American people on the limits of executive power on a domestic level

funksands

7 days ago

Shred Brown would be great.

funksands

7 days ago

Funk, why $10 trillion.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Choice, I like your list.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Funk – Biden starts from a weak position compared to Hillary but that is to his benefit. Hillary can underperform, he can’t because he’s an underdog. And if Biden carries the torch for a continuation of Obama-style governing while Hillary looks more like a Repub, he may do far better than expected.

adlib7 days ago

Murph, that’s how much the GOP has cost the economy in unmet economic capacity

funksands

7 days ago

I don’t know enough about Brown’s record.

sabreen60

7 days ago

Murph,precisely what I am saying.It just is a mess right now.Maybe it will self correct…But with the KOCH’S loaded for the long haul now…

beatlex

7 days ago

Funk…..ah….ever the financial mind….

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

An *estimated* $10 Trillion by 2016

funksands

7 days ago

AdLib – I think you’re onto something very powerful there about Biden.

choicelady

7 days ago

That’s a lot of money I hear

funksands

7 days ago

Sabreen – Excellent suggestion, I do like Chris Van Hollen. He’s a strong speaker, always smart and on target on the issues. He would be a real underdog at the start but I could see him as a surprise success.

adlib7 days ago

funk – it makes Everett Dirkson look like a piker. Do you know the statement?

choicelady

7 days ago

AdLib – OBAMA was the underdog, too.

choicelady

7 days ago

Biden seems to be a throwback to the George HW Bush, Reagan sytle of candidate…would that sell in the general population.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Astute as usual from you about Biden Ad

beatlex

7 days ago

Is this a Vietnam thing Choice?

funksands

7 days ago

Murph – I think Biden has the same style of warmth as Obama and not Reagan or ick Bush. He genuinely LIKES people – it’s not a smarmy act.

I like Biden. He’s a good guy. But seriously, I don’t see him as President.

sabreen60

7 days ago

I’d love to see Uncle Joey run. He’s so damn entertaining.

funksands

7 days ago

Sabreen – i think he’d be fine.

choicelady

7 days ago

funk – Uncle Joey – Biden?

choicelady

7 days ago

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Murph – I’m into policy not electoral stuff, so the graphic is confusing to me.

choicelady

7 days ago

Murph – except it’s all BLUE. That part I like.

choicelady

7 days ago

Yep, that’s what a lot of people call him. The crazy uncle that’s a character. Embarrassing, funny but with a good heart

funksands

7 days ago

funk – after GHW Bush, Biden glows in the dark!

choicelady

7 days ago

Beebe is my dark horse candidate. I think he’s evaluating a run. I think O’Malley is great. I’d love to see him run. Good dude.

funksands

7 days ago

Bush was just embarrassing

funksands

7 days ago

funk – you want NETANYAHU? OK – I obviously don’t know whom you mean.

choicelady

7 days ago

MIKE Beebe, Governor of Arkansas

funksands

7 days ago

BTW – my sister-in-law went to Hight School with the Netanyahu brothers. If I liked her, I’d ask her about them. But I don’t. So I won’t.

choicelady

7 days ago

CL – As you well know, an election is a chess match with many levels of play going on at once. It’s pretty much impossible to predict all that can happen but one overall but less apparent aspect of the Dem primary is that opinions of Hillary as The Coronated One could make her look more like a bully in conflicts with other candidates and pompous. Expectations are very high for her, if another candidate has a close showing in an early state or even beats her, the MSM will smell blood. And Dem voters love charismatic underdogs who seem genuine. Hillary does not come off as genuine and she often made huge gaffes and missteps in her last Presidential campaign. Add to that, the MSM loves bringing down the people they build up, Hillary is set up to take a big fall and that’s a big possibility.

adlib7 days ago

Funk,he was and is a mental midget,reduced to drawing silly pictures.

beatlex

7 days ago

funk -ohhhhhh THAT Beebe.

choicelady

7 days ago

….in his own feces

funksands

7 days ago

AdLib – I agree with your very insightful analysis.

choicelady

7 days ago

Murph – Thanks for the election map!

adlib7 days ago

Ad, that was her biggest struggle in 2008. Not convinced she’s shaken that despite her best efforts.

funksands

7 days ago

Beatlex – who? Beebe???

choicelady

7 days ago

Kalima????

funksands

7 days ago

Choice he is referring to Turd Blossom

funksands

7 days ago

AdLib – It’s quite possible that Hillary is the Buffalo Bills. They blew their first Super Bowl and their best year was that one. Maybe 2008 was hers, and it’s all downhill from there?

choicelady

7 days ago

You know Biden suffered an aneurysm. I don’t know if the gaffes are related to that or not. I’m not be disparaging, but hubby had a very mild stroke and I see some differences. Maybe not enough to make a difference. But I’m just saying. Or maybe I shouldn’t.

sabreen60

7 days ago

funk – ahhhh. That’s a relief.

choicelady

7 days ago

Well, my friends, a very good discussion and very helpful to me.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

I’m not 100% convinced that she is 100% convinced to run yet.

funksands

7 days ago

Night Murph!

funksands

7 days ago

Sabreen – i’d totally forgotten that. It could explain a lot.

choicelady

7 days ago

Funk…not leaving quite yet…..but I wanted to thank everyone for their time on this.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Sabreen I don’t think you’ll jinx anything….

funksands

7 days ago

Murph – my only advice would to be part of something but not the leader of it now in case someone better comes along.

choicelady

7 days ago

Murph, I thought I told you goodbye…get out of here.

funksands

7 days ago

funksands

7 days ago

funk – your wish is NOT Murph’s command, dear.

choicelady

7 days ago

CL,What? i am talking about GWB! LOL

beatlex

7 days ago

Funk….ask my neighbors…I am hard to get rid of…..

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Ha!

funksands

7 days ago

Beatlex – lost the freaking thread and it was SO confusing!

choicelady

7 days ago

Murph – in our neck of the woods, your intractable nature is a GOOD thing.

choicelady

7 days ago

Nah Funk. Just didn’t want to step on anyones toes.

sabreen60

7 days ago

Structurally the Democrats have a LOT of work to do before we even need to worry about an actual candidate. We repeat the same strategy in 2016 that we did in 2014, we’ll get our ass kicked again.

funksands

7 days ago

Funk – I think we need someone other than Debbie Wasserman-Schultz on the case.

sabreen60

7 days ago

Oi vey you got that right. Great lady. NOT the right choice for that position

funksands

7 days ago

Funk – A possible platform that the Dem Primary might be decided on is how people feel about the candidates, their policies and charisma having their influence as well. If Hillary comes off as disingenuous, as she often does and did in 2008 and Biden comes off as sometimes delivering gaffes but a guy you like and who is a regular and genuine person who is more in tune with the base…it’s possible. Not to be redundant but to hammer this home, Hillary will be targeted by the Repubs, the MSM and Dem candidates to take her apart. She’s more likely to blow up than any other Dem candidate.

adlib7 days ago

Oy rather… ha

funksands

7 days ago

Here is what emerging in my neck of the woods regarding the overarching strategy….DEMS CANNOT WIN THE MONEY BATTLE…THERE FORE WE MUST WORK TO MAKE MONEY FAR LESS RELEVANT….and that means an informed and dedicated Democratic electorate that will dismiss monied propaganda for the manipulation it is and offer an alternative to family, friends and neighbors.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Ad, I agree with that. I just don’t think Hillary will have to take any chances against Biden. She can play it very safe and cruise.

funksands

7 days ago

Well, dear friends, I’m going to bid adieu. I have one homeless guy in rehab whom I see very Saturday and another headed there Monday. Tending these folks has been very stressful, and I need SLEEP to get through it all. Murph – that is an excellent point, and it does mean we need a candidate with very little baggage for whom we can WORK and not have to DEFEND. That may be the most important distinction.

choicelady

7 days ago

Night Choice!

funksands

7 days ago

Funk – There hasn’t been a corralation between off year and Presidential elections for Dems that I can remember. They’re two different animals, IMO. I don’t think we have to fix what happened in 2014 to win in 2016. Young voters will come out strongly again, Latinos will, women will, all the Dem bases will be back out in 2016…as long as Dems do the kind of job they did in 2012.

adlib7 days ago

Night funk – be well!

choicelady

7 days ago

Ad, if they’re allowed to vote.

funksands

7 days ago

I think disenfranchisement had a bigger effect on 2014 than some realize

funksands

7 days ago

Thanks choice and good night. Admire your work with the homeless…..it goes beyond just a bit of food and a place to flop….remarkable.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Murph, that middle way is absolutely the answer, but I don’t quite know what “it” is.

funksands

7 days ago

Night CL! HOPE we hear something next week!

adlib7 days ago

Murph – well, the front porch IS where one flops. A homeless woman who knows him and me came and cleaned it up tonight. I am SO grateful – it was a bit ripe.

choicelady

7 days ago

Good night, CL.

sabreen60

7 days ago

Funk…the winnng in spite of money is the key but how.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

AdLib – I do, too! K. has been away, so next week should be good I hope.

choicelady

7 days ago

Good night, Sabreen – always insightful talking with you!

choicelady

7 days ago

Friends and neighbors is critical for the long game, but not super-helpful on a national level every two years.

funksands

7 days ago

Goodnight Choice!

beatlex

7 days ago

Murph, what do you think is the FIRST step? Is that clear to you? It’s murky to me.

funksands

7 days ago

funk – do we have ANY choice but a constant friends and neighbors approach? We are outspent always.

choicelady

7 days ago

Good night, Beatlex – thank you as always for your insights.

choicelady

7 days ago

Funk – I don’t think Hillary’s game plan will allow her to play it safe. She wants to sew the seeds of appealing to Repubs in the Dem primary, especially as she wins more elections. She and Bill haven’t shown themselves to be so reserved. And the attacks against her from all directions won’t allow for that.

adlib7 days ago

CL, that’s kind of what we are kicking around.

funksands

7 days ago

Nite beatlex!

sabreen60

7 days ago

Bottom line my American friends ” it is the economy stupid”

beatlex

7 days ago

Night Beatlex! Sleep well!

adlib7 days ago

AdLib – Hillary has been really quiet on a lot of issues. She’s playing it safe. I don’t see her instilling a lot of confidence.

sabreen60

7 days ago

Who said I was going to bed folks? I have more to say!

beatlex

7 days ago

Did you all see that Stephanie Kelton, one of the preeminent MMT economists in the nation got hired by Bernie Sanders to be the Dem lead economist in the Budget Committee? Awesome!

funksands

7 days ago

Beatlex – Yes, in the end, it usually does come down to the economy…but sometimes war and sometimes social issues.

adlib7 days ago

Beatle…it is in the minds of the American voter but the reality that the global enviroment esp. regarding instability IS the economy does not seem to register.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

Hillary just announced that she’s delaying her decision to enter the race for another 6 months at least. That doesn’t sound like someone who is worried.

funksands

7 days ago

Oh, I thought someone said Nite to you, Beatlex

sabreen60

7 days ago

Sabreen – Hillary’s silence has made her look cowardly and that ain’t good for her. Once she’s in the campaign, she won’t be able to hide like that anymore and her playing it safe will look even worse. I can absolutely see her candidacy implode if it’s run as cynically and with the same entitlement as in 2008.

Well, all I know is that I will absolutely hold my nose and vote for the Dem in GE. There is no Republican on the planet that could get me to vote for him/her. And with that dear friends, I bid you all Good Night

sabreen60

7 days ago

Sorry Beatlex, didn’t realize you were saying goodnight to CL!

adlib7 days ago

The Dems just hired as their lead economic voice an economist that calls the focus on reducing deficits and debt as utter bullshit. I love it!

funksands

7 days ago

Sabreen I totally agree. You HAVE to be a comparative voter in national elections.

funksands

7 days ago

adlib,foreign and domestic balls are in the air,Hillary is waiting to see what happens.Which is smart,

beatlex

7 days ago

Night Kitty

funksands

7 days ago

Night Sabreen! Don’t get discouraged yet, we may end up with a candidate we really like when the Dem Primary is over. Way too early to put the crown on Hillary’s head.

adlib7 days ago

Hillary’s message is going to boil down to “I like a lot of what Obama did, but I’m going to be able to actually get stuff done”

funksands

7 days ago

Well, I am off to bed. I thank you one and all for your wisdom.

murphthesurf3

7 days ago

night murph

funksands

7 days ago

GUNITE MURPH!

beatlex

7 days ago

brb

funksands

7 days ago

Funk – You’re leaving out the last part that will chill Dems to her, “…by adopting many Republican positions and allowing them to slide in really terrible things into bills that will hurt the economy and millions of Americans.” Oh wait, she may not say that afterall.

adlib7 days ago

Night Murph, have a great weekend!

adlib7 days ago

Ad, that’s called “compromise”. Right?

funksands

7 days ago

Funk – As you say, Hillary will be pounding the “I will get things done with Republicans!” drum hard because first off, that’s what Americans want to see, bipartisanship, and secondly, she supports a lot of Republican goals. The problem is, bipartisanship in the Tea Party era means giving into greatly damaging demands just to pass things that may be somewhat positive…or just joining Republicans on their agenda. Hillary is not a fighter for the middle class or poor, she is a corporatist and Bill’s whole foundation operates on the backs of the wealthiest people in the world. Those are the people they are closest to on a daily basis, not “the little people”.

adlib7 days ago

But Ad… Bono!

funksands

7 days ago

beatlex

7 days ago

Beatlex – Just paste the URL as it is, don’t add the “v” and it will appear properly.

Ad, I’m just waiting to see what “very serious” people she surrounds herself with. That will tell us everything we need to know

funksands

7 days ago

Not that I’m cynical or anything

funksands

7 days ago

Right around this summer is when the really batshit loony conservative season kicks off. Gonna be a humdinger

funksands

7 days ago

And in the end,if we can’t laugh at the absurity of life,we are lost.I don’t sense us there yet…

beatlex

7 days ago

Funk – Remember Mark Penn in 2008? Hillary surrounded herself with some of the slimiest people and I’m not expecting that to be any different for 2016. She and Bill think the way you play the game is to have a better snake working for you than your opponent. I expect her campaign to eventually get quite dirty as it did in 2008.

adlib7 days ago

Not in Canada at least!

funksands

7 days ago

Ad, I’m hopeful that she learned something then. We’ll see.

funksands

7 days ago

Beatlex – Yep, despite the madness that happens in life, it’s no good to get swallowed up by it. That’s when you need to keep a sense of humor and an appreciation for the nice things in life.

adlib7 days ago

John Podesta doesn’t tell me much. I think he works every campaign

funksands

7 days ago

Funk – We’ll see but if I was betting right now, I’d bet heavily on her having a variety of corrupt and slimy political types in key positions in her campaign.

adlib7 days ago

She has hired a couple of Obama campaign managers as well. Joel Beneson for one.

funksands

7 days ago

Right now its all white dudes, which totally sends the right message

funksands

7 days ago

Funk – True, her campaign may not be as awful as 2008 but I think Bill is most comfortable having poilitical “hitmen” on staff to get the dirty work done. I just don’t think of the Clintons as clean fighters.

adlib7 days ago

Ad, quit beating around the bush and tell me whether you like Hillary as a candidate! Quit being so cryptic.

funksands

7 days ago

Funk – I heard they’re getting Ray Rice to join her campaign and add color, do you think that’s a good idea?

adlib7 days ago

I think he’ll bring the much-needed domestic violence perspective to the issues.

funksands

7 days ago

Well, time is short. Long week this week. Looking forward to a dominating 31-16 win by the Seahawks in the Superb Owl Big Game!!

funksands

7 days ago

Funk – Sorry, I have to keep my impartiality here. I can’t tell you whether I support a disingenuous elitist for President or not, that’s just how I roll.

adlib7 days ago

Anyone have any big plans for Sunday? X I know you’ll be watching 1985 Edmonton Oiler repeats, so enjoy those.

funksands

7 days ago

Damn Ad, I guess I’ll just have to wait until 2016 to find out if you support her or not.

funksands

7 days ago

Funk – I’ll be rooting right with you, hoping the Seahawks beat them cheatin’ ball squeezers!

adlib7 days ago

How could you not? Is there anyone more insufferable than Bill Belichick? He reminds me of Boehner

funksands

7 days ago

We’re re-enacting last year’s Puppy Bowl with rats we found while cleaning out our attic.

adlib7 days ago

LOL

funksands

7 days ago

Night buddy. Have a good weekend! X enjoy your weekend too!

funksands

7 days ago

Thanks pal, Have a great weekend and here’s to a Superbowl surprise that makes us celebrate!

adlib7 days ago

You guys seem to be caught in “What if” territory.The system is NOT going to change anytime soon.The damage in my mind is severe.And will take a generation to fix x

beatlex

7 days ago

Beatlex – True, the system isn’t going to change but a majority can always use a system to take control. We need to make that happen in 2016.